New faces at Rockford Dance Company

As the search continues for artistic director at Rockford Dance Company (RDC), choreographers and teachers have been hired to prepare the upcoming productions. Jennifer Weber of Iowa City will be choreographing a new Nutcracker, and Robert McKee will be developing Hansel &Gretel with the production team for a premier performance Jan. 28, 2012. New choreographers challenge the status quo, and RDC’s staff, dancers and parents are adapting with heroic efforts!

Weber has been involved in the dance world for more than 20 years as an active performer, choreographer and teacher. She has performed extensively across the Midwest dancing with Omaha Theater Company for Young People, Ballet Quad Cities, Ballet Nebraska, Opera Omaha and the dance department at the University of Iowa. Weber received her master’s of fine arts in dance with an emphasis on choreography from the University of Iowa. She has a passion for developing and implementing outreach programs, educating communities about dance and educating dancers about the unique qualities of their art form. This will be her first shot at choreographing a full-length Nutcracker.

McKee, a graduate of Point Park University and former company member of Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago, has had an interest in teaching and choreography since a very young age. Influenced by percussive rhythms and dynamic shapes, he finds himself always inspired to create. He is on faculty at the Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago, as well as teaches all throughout the Chicagoland area. He has worked with The Giordano Project, McDonald Dance Academy, Barrington High School, Northshore School of Dance Performing Ensemble, Giordano Juniors, the Giordano choreography showcase, Brookfield Riverside High School and Northern Illinois University.